Physical Address
Pearly Beach
Western Cape
7220
(UPDATED 18H50 on Tuesday Jan 6 2026
Fire settles down late on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
The Pearly Beach fire had escalated on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, after officials warned that strong winds pushed the fire toward the entrance of Pearly Beach.
Earlier the fire was reported to have jumped the R43, a development that can rapidly change fire behaviour and increase the risk to nearby settled areas.
The municipality originally issued a cautionary note that the fire may move closer to residential areas, and that residents should be prepared for a possible evacuation affecting Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni, should it become necessary.
However by 18h00 the fire had drifted further South East. This was due to the prevailing Westerly which pushed the flames away from Pearly Beach, and due to the constant water-bombing carried out by Overstrand Fire Service helicopters, along with teams on the ground. A spotter plane was also involved in directing both the helicopters and the ground crew.
Authorities have also appealed for public cooperation: make way for fire and emergency vehicles, do not obstruct access routes, and avoid becoming a “fire tourist”—both for safety reasons and to prevent interference with emergency operations.
Issued by: Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill (Overstrand Municipality).
Road status and travel advisory
Heavy smoke is affecting visibility and minor roads may be closed at short notice. Motorists should follow traffic officials’ directions at all times.
- The R43 near Gansbaai, between Uilenkraalsmond and the Pearly Beach crossing, has been closed again due to poor visibility.
- The detour route is via gravel roads. Drivers are advised to switch on headlights and reduce speed, as visibility may be poor because of smoke, dust and uneven surfaces.
Detour route: from Gansbaai via Uilenkraalsmond towards Pearly Beach, then via Pearly Beach Road to Baardskeerdersbos Road.
Wind and weather context
Wind has been a key driver of fire behaviour over the past day. Wind modelling for the Pearly Beach coastline indicates westerly to south-westerly winds with strong gusts during Tuesday—conditions consistent with rapid fire spread and shifting smoke.
The South African Weather Service has also flagged damaging winds along the south coast (with impacts including difficult conditions at sea), reinforcing the broader regional wind risk on 6 January.
Forecasts suggest winds should ease overnight into Wednesday, with Wednesday expected to be mostly sunny and less humid locally.
On rainfall: some broader-area forecasts indicate a chance of scattered showers overnight, but this is not a clear, reliable “soaking rain” signal—so residents should not bank on rain arriving to slow the fire.
